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What are kilojoules?

We measure energy in kilojoules, the same as we measure distance in kilometres and weight in kilograms.

Our bodies use energy for everything we do - growth, development, repair, and for movement activities like walking, running, swimming, working and even sleeping.

The pre-metric name for kilojoules was calories, but for over 30 years Australia has used the metric terminology, kilojoules, in schools and the Food Standards Code.

1 kilojoule = 0.24 kilocalories (often called Calories)
1 kilocalorie = 4.18 kilojoules

Abbreviations:

kJ kilojoule
kcal kilocalorie (or Calorie)

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